Zamfara Governor party defection talks intensify as Dauda Lawal consults stakeholders amid PDP crisis and upcoming election timetable
Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara, has indicated a possible political shift amid ongoing turbulence within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Also read: Zamfara APC Denies Picking 2027 Governorship Candidate
The governor convened an emergency meeting with cabinet members and party stakeholders to discuss the way forward ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
The meeting, held on Friday night at the Rescue Hall inside the Government House, Gusau, included the state PDP chairman, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Secretary to the State Government, and several party elders.
Sources said strategic decisions were made regarding the governor’s political future.
After months of speculation and denials from his aides, some members of the All Progressives Congress indicated that Governor Lawal had approached APC leaders in Abuja regarding a potential defection.
According to a source familiar with the meeting, Governor Lawal informed stakeholders that he intends to remain in the PDP for the time being and will await the outcome of a pending appeal before deciding his next step.
The source explained, “The governor on Friday night invited stakeholders. He told them that he called for the meeting to discuss the way forward as the recent timetable released by INEC shows that political activities will commence in April.”
Participants at the meeting reportedly offered divergent views.
Some argued that the governor should remain in the PDP, citing a recent court victory confirming the Turaki-led executives as the legitimate state leadership.
Others suggested that he should defect to the APC, noting that all six governors in the North West zone are currently APC members, which could provide a strategic advantage.
A third group recommended that Governor Lawal consider joining the African Democratic Congress, arguing that the ruling APC may not enjoy mass support and that ADC presents the strongest opposition alternative in the state.
While the state chapter of the PDP has not confirmed the discussions, party stalwart Kabir Amadu Mai Palace said the meeting concluded with plans for further consultations at ward and local government levels.
Also read: PDP Governors Defend Zamfara Meeting Amid ADC Criticism, Security Concerns
Sources revealed that, following the Sallah (Eid al-Fitr) celebrations, Governor Lawal is expected to make a formal pronouncement, guided by a strategic committee that will determine his next political move.
